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Updated: May 27, 2026
Evaluation of Intracellular Location of Reactive Oxygen Species in Solea Senegalensis Spermatozoa
Published on: March 11, 2018
Effects of reactive oxygen species from activated leucocytes on human sperm motility, viability and morphology
Abstract:
The accumulated data suggest that inflammation can increase the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to impaired sperm function and male infertility. Therefore, we propose that inflammation-mediated production of ROS in male and female reproductive tracts hinder sperm fertilisation. To test this hypothesis, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) with polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) was applied to generate endogenous ROS. We evaluated the time-dependent effects of ROS on human sperm motility, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The results showed that after treatment with PMA and PMNs, the motility of human spermatozoa significantly decreased to 50% on Day 1 and 15% on Day 4 compared with that of the, respectively, negative controls (P = 0.012). The viability of human spermatozoa decreased on Day 4 of PMA + PMNs treatment (P = 0.028). The MMP of human spermatozoa significantly decreased from Day 2 to Day 4 in the PMA + PMN group compared with that of the controls (P = 0.019). Taken together, the 4-day cultivation approach provided an accurate evaluation of sperm quality, especially sperm motility and MMP. Our findings indicated that endogenous inflammation increased ROS levels, which might induce sperm oxidative damage. Additionally, sperm motility might be one of the earliest and most sensitive indicators of this damage.
Insights
Inflammation increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), impairing sperm function and potentially causing male infertility. Sperm motility appears to be an early indicator of this ROS-induced oxidative damage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Inflammation is linked to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
- Elevated ROS levels are implicated in impaired sperm function and male infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that inflammation-mediated ROS production in reproductive tracts hinders sperm fertilization.
- To evaluate the time-dependent effects of ROS on human sperm motility, viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).
Main Methods:
- Human spermatozoa were exposed to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) to induce endogenous ROS production.
- Sperm motility, viability, and MMP were assessed over a 4-day period.
- Time-dependent effects of ROS on sperm parameters were compared to negative controls.
Main Results:
- Sperm motility significantly decreased by Day 4 post-treatment with PMA + PMNs (15% vs. control, P = 0.012).
- Sperm viability decreased on Day 4 of treatment (P = 0.028).
- MMP significantly decreased from Day 2 to Day 4 in the PMA + PMN group compared to controls (P = 0.019).
Conclusions:
- Endogenous inflammation increases ROS levels, potentially causing sperm oxidative damage.
- Sperm motility may serve as an early and sensitive biomarker for ROS-induced sperm damage.
- A 4-day cultivation approach accurately evaluates sperm quality, particularly motility and MMP.
